Mayo Parmesan Chicken

This Mayo Parmesan Chicken is a quick and delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor and incredibly juicy. A creamy mayonnaise coating mixed with garlic, onion, and smoky spices locks in moisture and creates a golden, cheesy crust that’s hard to resist. It’s a simple, oven-baked chicken dish the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super moist and juicy – The mayo creates a barrier that keeps the chicken from drying out.

• Bold, cheesy flavor – Parmesan adds a salty, savory kick, while garlic and paprika round it out.

• No mayo taste – Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of mayo. Once baked, you won’t even know it’s there.

• One pan, 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast, filling, and flavorful.

• Low carb and high protein – A great option for anyone looking for a keto-friendly or protein-packed meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, salt, and cracked pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared dish.

3. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until fully mixed.

4. Spread the mayo mixture evenly over the top of each piece of chicken.

5. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese over the coated chicken.

6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the top is golden and bubbling.

7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 456 kcal

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mayo mixture.

• Herb Twist: Mix in dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped rosemary for added flavor.

• Low-fat Option: Use light mayonnaise and part-skim Parmesan if desired.

• Breaded Option: Add a layer of seasoned breadcrumbs on top of the mayo mixture for an extra crunchy topping.

• Cheese Swap: Try mixing Parmesan with mozzarella or Asiago for different cheesy finishes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second bursts. For best texture, use the oven or air fryer.

FAQs

Does the chicken taste like mayonnaise?

No. The mayo acts as a moisture barrier and cooking fat, but the final flavor is rich, cheesy, and savory—not like mayonnaise.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed since they may cook faster.

What kind of Parmesan should I use?

Freshly shredded Parmesan is best. Avoid pre-grated powdery varieties as they don’t melt the same way.

Can I prep this dish ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken with the mayo-Parmesan topping and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it great for keto or low-carb diets.

Can I freeze this after baking?

Yes, let the chicken cool completely and then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

You can, but it may slightly alter the texture and moisture level. Greek yogurt is tangier and less fatty than mayo.

What sides go well with this?

Try it with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, mashed cauliflower, or garlic green beans.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, it’s done.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger baking dish or bake in two batches to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Mayo Parmesan Chicken is a fast, no-fuss dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The mayonnaise keeps the chicken tender and juicy, while the Parmesan and spices create a crispy, golden crust. It’s a great go-to recipe for weeknights, meal prep, or when you need something satisfying and simple that everyone will love.